LEIGH Centurions are pleased to announce that their first pre-season friendly of the 2015 season will be a Battle of the Borough against old rivals Wigan Warriors.

The eagerly awaited first game of the new season will take place at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, January 18 2015 with a 3pm kick-off.

Leigh Centurions are also pleased that the game will double-up as Paul Prescott’s Testimonial game.

The popular prop forward was sadly forced to retire from the game prematurely at the age of 27 in 2013 after a severe back injury.

Paul made his Wigan first-team debut against Castleford on 23 July 2004 and went on to make 145 first team appearances for the Warriors.

He won a Grand Final winner’s ring in 2010 and a Challenge Cup winner’s medal in 2011 and also represented Ireland.

Paul was also a popular loan signing for the Centurions in the 2006 season, making his debut against Halifax on 2 June 2006 and going on to make seven first-team appearances.

When the Leigh Centurions Heritage Numbers were announced in August Paul was #1272. Last year he was awarded #967 in the Wigan Warriors Heritage Numbers list.

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: “It is always our first intention to arrange a friendly with Wigan Warriors and I am delighted that has been possible again for 2015.

"We can continue our "Battle of the Borough" and look to avenge last season's defeat. Kris Radlinski represents Wigan Warriors in an excellent manner and it is always a pleasure to conduct business with him.

“I thought it was an excellent idea when he suggested we host the game as Paul's testimonial given he also played for Leigh.

"It is admirable that Wigan have donated the whole of their share of the proceeds to Paul's testimonial fund in recognition of his excellent services to them during his career. ‎

"We have elevated ourselves to a Super League club in all but name and to test ourselves against a strong Wigan side including their new signings will be invaluable to us.

“It is perhaps notable that this season seven of Wigan's starting line-up in our friendly at the start of the season competed in the Grand Final at the end of the year.

"It will be our first hit- out after returning from warm weather training. Our boys, including our new signings, will be looking forward to measuring themselves against a quality Super League side that has been continually at the top of the game.

“I am looking forward to the prospect and in particular supporting the testimonial of a great player who represented both clubs at the same time as benefiting ourselves. I have no doubt our fans will feel the same.”

Wigan Warriors Rugby General Manager Kris Radlinski said: “When Paul’s testimonial match got called off last year (at Workington), we always said that we would honour the fixture to a player who has contributed so much on and off the field for Wigan.

"I hope that Wigan and Leigh fans turn out for Paul and also to watch a great game of Rugby League. 2015 is a huge year for Leigh and the game in January will be a great test to see where their squad is at.

"They have made some big statements in the transfer market and we hope that they live up to their potential.”

Wigan Warriors Head Coach Shaun Wane said: “I have the utmost respect for Paul, he is one the nicest lads I have had the pleasure of working with and he was a fantastic player too.

"My coaching team and I were gutted when Paul had to prematurely call time on his career. We are really looking forward to representing him in this fixture and I plan to take a strong team over to Leigh.

"The Centurions enjoyed a great season in 2014 and Paul Rowley will have his side ready for this one as they begin their quest for a place in Super League.”

Paul Prescott said: “"Games between Wigan and Leigh are always full of passion and it is certainly an honour to have such an historic fixture as my testimonial match.

“There is extra significance for myself due to the fact that I enjoyed a short but highly enjoyable loan spell with the Centurions in 2006.

"I have very fond memories of my time at the Club and developed immensely as a player during the period.

“I would like to thank Ian Lenagan, Kris Radlinski, Shaun Wane and the rest of the Wigan Club for their continued support throughout the testimonial season.

“I would also like to thank Derek Beaumont, Michael Latham and Leigh Centurions for their efforts in arranging such an exciting fixture.

"The strides made by the Club in recent times make for a highly competitive and eagerly anticipated derby game."

Full ticket prices and details of hospitality packages will be announced shortly.